Page 62 of Suddenly Married

After the commotion occasioned by the arrival of the Darcys and their gift, Mrs. Bennet retired to take a nap.

Georgiana went to the music room to rehearse with Lydia, Maria, and Kitty some songs they were preparing for the evening’s party.

Jane was directing all the arrangements for dinner with the help of Mrs. Gardiner.

Mary had asked Charlotte’s permission to show Longbourn to her husband, and she was told they might come at any time.

Elizabeth requested that Mr. Darcy accompany her to Oakham Mount.

No one else wished to join them, which gave them both great satisfaction, for they longed to enjoy some privacy.

They had not seen each other for two days and were eager to be together.

When they reached the summit, Elizabeth was moved to behold once more the landscapes that had formed part of her life until so recently.

Mr. Darcy drew his wife into his arms, and, as they were quite alone, they kissed for several minutes. It was Elizabeth who ended the embrace, for she had important matters to share with him.

“Fitzwilliam, I need to tell you a few things,” she began, but he silenced her with more kisses. At last, she freed herself. “Fitzwilliam, please. I have important things to say—three, to be precise.”

Mr. Darcy, with some resignation, replied, “Very well, but be quick. I have missed you so dearly, and I long to kiss my wife before we return to Meryton.”

Elizabeth laughed and then spoke. “First, I must tell you that this courtship period is over. When we return to London, I wish to be your wife again.” No sooner had she said it than she saw his intention to seize her in his arms once more, and she ran to hide behind a tree, laughing as she called, “Mr. Darcy, please allow me to finish!”

“Very well, wicked minx. But how can you give me such news and expect me not to kiss you?”

Somewhat calmer, Elizabeth returned to him. He took her hand and kissed it. “I promise to behave until you have spoken every word you have planned. After that, be prepared!” he warned, and Elizabeth laughed again.

“The second thing is that you need not stay overnight at the inn. My mother’s house is indeed full, but my aunt Phillips has prepared a guest chamber for us.

I understand if you prefer the inn,” she said, while he gazed at her in silence.

“I should say we must stay with my aunt. She is a great gossip, and if I remain at my mother’s, she will say I left my husband alone.

I cannot allow all Meryton to think I am not a dutiful wife. ”

“So far, I have behaved exceptionally well, and I think I deserve a reward,” Mr. Darcy said, stealing a quick kiss.

“And I agree. We cannot allow rumours. For the sake of our marriage’s reputation, I shall make the sacrifice of staying with you at your aunt’s house.

” With that, he attempted to steal another kiss, but Elizabeth stopped him.

“Not now, please. I still have the third matter to tell you—the most important of my life.” Elizabeth grew serious, tears forming in her eyes.

Alarmed, Mr. Darcy pressed her hand. “Elizabeth, is something wrong? If I have done anything amiss, tell me. Do not worry, whatever it is, we shall resolve it together.”

“My love, I am with child,” was all Elizabeth said.

Mr. Darcy stood frozen for a moment, then, comprehending, he gathered her into his arms, kissing her cheek and forehead. Overwhelmed with joy, he whispered, “My love, my sweet love. I love you so dearly.”

“And I love you, Fitzwilliam.”

They returned before dusk, speaking tenderly of the future and of the family they were beginning to form.

That evening, during dinner, when the family was toasting, Elizabeth shared the happy news, and all congratulated them most sincerely.

Georgiana rejoiced at the prospect of becoming an aunt and of sharing more closely in such a warm and cheerful family.

That night, she and Kitty talked late into the hours, recounting everything that had occurred.

Elizabeth fell asleep in her husband’s arms, their joy complete. Both were delighted to be together and to know they would soon be parents. Mr. Darcy rested his hand upon Elizabeth’s belly the entire night, as if in that gesture he could already feel and protect their child.

The next day, the Clarks, the Gardiners, and the Darcys returned to London, except Georgiana, who had requested permission from her brother to spend several days with her friend Kitty.

◆◆◆

For Elizabeth, it would be her first appearance at a public social event as Mrs. Darcy.

More than six months had passed since her father’s death, and she had set aside her mourning.

She was to wear a new gown made expressly for the occasion.

She wished to make a favourable impression and render her husband proud.

They had been living together for over a week, and everything had been delightful. Mr. Darcy was once again the caring, devoted husband who sought always to please her. The only inconvenience was that he had become exceedingly overprotective, owing to her condition.

That night, besides her new gown, she would wear the jewels her husband had given her a few months before.

After that evening, they might finally return to Pemberley.

They would fetch Georgiana and go back to their home.

They had no desire to spend the season in London, particularly since she was with child.

Mr. Darcy paced while awaiting his wife.

He was glad to attend the theatre with Elizabeth, yet uneasy at the thought of so many eyes fixed upon them.

Elizabeth was more sensitive now, and he wished only for her tranquillity.

All he longed for was to return to Pemberley with his wife and await the birth of their child.

“I am ready, my love. I think it is time to go,” said Elizabeth. Mr. Darcy was enraptured to see his beautiful wife adorned with the jewels he had bestowed upon her with so much affection.

“You look exquisite, Mrs. Darcy. If our families were not waiting for us at the theatre, I would prefer an intimate dinner with you a thousand times over.” Mr. Darcy kissed his wife’s hand.

“Fitzwilliam, I want to thank you for this beautiful gift. I am sorry I did not do so when you first gave it to me,” Elizabeth said, touching the necklace.

“My dearest, do not trouble yourself. We have already cleared everything up, and there is nothing to apologise for.”

Lawrence entered the theatre with his wife. Jane looked more beautiful than ever, especially in her husband’s eyes. Perceiving her uneasiness, Lawrence said, “Do not be troubled, my dear. Remember, I shall be by your side the whole evening.” Jane smiled, assuring him that all was well.

When they entered the theatre, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy were accompanied by Mary, Roland, and Admiral Walker. Later, the Earl, Countess, and Viscount joined the party.

Lady Isabella arrived at the theatre with her husband a little before Lawrence and Jane. The moment she saw Lawrence enter, she urged her husband to greet their friends. Yet, when she attempted to approach the group, the Countess cut her directly, and all observed the slight.

Furious, Lady Isabella sought support from others, but they all avoided her and her husband’s company.

Lord Fleming had long known that his wife was a flirt and had entertained more than one admirer.

He had chosen to look away. Yet rumours had reached his ears, and he was fully aware of her behaviour, particularly how she had pursued Lawrence Clark.

A lover as mere diversion he could tolerate; but for his wife to chase a younger man like a woman possessed was a humiliation he would not endure, least of all in public.

Thus, when he saw his wife following Lawrence during the intermission, he resolved to follow her.

Lawrence had gone to procure refreshments for his wife and Elizabeth when misfortune placed Lady Isabella in his path.

“Are you so afraid of me? Why must you shield yourself with friends so I cannot approach you? Why will you not admit that you love me as I love you, Lawrence?”

Lawrence could not believe his ill fortune. Yet when he turned to dismiss her, he saw her husband behind her, though she had not noticed him.

“Isabella, I think it is time we return home,” Lord Fleming declared loudly. By then, a large crowd had gathered to witness the scene. Lawrence returned to the Darcys’ box without a word.

“My Lord, never raise your voice to me again!”

“Cease making a fool of yourself by chasing that man, Isabella. Do you not see that he despises you?” Lord Fleming seized his wife by the arm and led her out of the theatre. The assembly murmured and laughed at their expense.

From that day, Lord Fleming accompanied his wife everywhere.

Their social life was confined to visiting the few friends he retained, all elderly men whose conversation was dull.

Moreover, no man wished to be her lover any longer, for rumours spread that she suffered from more than one illness owing to her past indiscretions.

Still, Lady Isabella continued to dream that one day Lawrence would acknowledge their supposed love and elope with her to enjoy their passion.

◆◆◆

Lydia, Kitty, and their mother began to travel frequently, thanks to the carriage that Mr. Darcy had given them. In this way, they remained in constant contact with the family in London. They planned a journey to Pemberley to meet Elizabeth’s child.

Georgiana, for her part, spent many months in Meryton to grant Elizabeth and her brother the opportunity to be alone together and enjoy the honeymoon they had never experienced.

She was happy in the company of her friends and Mrs. Bennet.

Freed from her brother’s constant attention, she had grown more independent and less timid.

Mrs. Bennet rejoiced that she had at last achieved a sense of security. She finally possessed a home that no one could take from her. Life in Meryton afforded her every convenience, and the presence of her sister as a neighbour was a daily comfort and the source of her best companionship.

Mary and Roland embarked on a six-month voyage. The young captain was entrusted with the defence of the ports in various British islands of the Caribbean Sea. Mary was enraptured by the landscapes, which inspired her to compose more than one piece of music that her husband listened to with delight.

Lawrence further consolidated his business after the Lady Isabella affair. Many gentlemen resolved to invest in his company upon learning of his impeccable moral principles. Jane was entirely content with her new life and considered herself most fortunate to have met Lawrence, the love of her life.

Mr. Bingley welcomed his sister after learning all that had befallen her in London.

He knew she had acted in a reprehensible manner, yet she was his sister, and he could not abandon her.

At last, fulfilling his father’s dream, he purchased an estate in Derbyshire and remained in close contact with his friend Darcy.

He married the daughter of a neighbouring gentleman, and together they were frequent visitors at Pemberley.

Caroline eventually married a businessman and emigrated to Canada, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

Elizabeth was gazing out the window as the snow fell softly outside. Dante lay by the fireplace. She had just read a letter from Jane, who was soon to give birth to her nephew or niece.

“What are you thinking, Elizabeth?” Mr. Darcy asked as he embraced his wife and caressed her belly.

“It was most fortunate that we resolved all our differences before this cold weather set in. If I had to read my letters on the bench by the little lake now”—she pointed to Dante so her husband might see him—“I am certain I would have to go alone.”

They both laughed, and Mr. Darcy kissed his wife as they continued to watch the falling snow.

FIN